You are not the only person who has been in a print shop or a supplier catalogue trying to decide what thickness of PVC foam board to buy. This may seem like an insignificant point, yet selecting the incorrect thickness might spell out a blemish in the heat, or break down in the middle of the procedure, or simply fail to impress with its appearance.
You are a business owner based in Dubai and you are installing your first shopfront sign, you are a signage company based in Sharjah and you have several projects to undertake, you are a contractor based in Abu Dhabi or Ras Al Khaimah and you are sourcing materials on a regular basis, this guide will help you make the right call each and every time.
What is PVC Foam Board and What Does Thickness Matter?
PVC foam board (also referred to as Forex board, Sintra board or expanded PVC) is a lightweight and rigid plastic sheet used extensively in signage, display, and advertising. It can be cut, printed on and hung up without any hassle and this is the reason why it is among the most widely used signage materials in the whole of the UAE.
Thickness will make your sign tough, bendy and durable. Thinner and it bends or breaks. Too thick and you are spending too much and putting on the wrong weight. Striking the right balance is the difference between the professional finish and the expensive re-work.
Foam Board Thicknesses and Common PVC Foam Board Thicknesses and When to Use Them.
1mm -3mm: Lightweight display and short term signage.
PVC foam boards that are between 1mm and 3mm thick are perfect in temporary signages, indoor displays, exhibition backgrounds, and in-printed inserts. They are affordable and convenient to manage, but they are not designed to work in the field or be used over a long period. Ideal in events, trade show or a short term retail promotion.
5mm: The Multi-purpose Indoor and Light Outdoor Model.
The most widely used thickness of signage industry and for a good reason is the 5mm PVC foam board. It is very rigid and yet lightweight to use in indoor signs, real estates, shop fronts, and light outdoors. The majority of signage companies in Dubai and Sharjah use 5mm as their standard of choice.
8mm -10mm: Permanent and Hardy Outdoor and Semi-Permanent Signage.
To have outdoor signs that resist wind, heat and UAE weather conditions, 8mm to 10mm PVC foam board is the appropriate material. It is durable enough to support itself on a wall or frame without sinking and it can withstand direct sunlight unlike the thin ones. This thickness is popular among the business in Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah in constructing fascia signs and outdoor hoardings.
15mm -19mm: Heavy-Duty Structural and 3D Signage.
The heavier boards that fall within the 15mm 19mm dimension are dimensional lettering, router-cut signage, display props and structural. They are heavier and costlier, but provide a great rigidity and a high, solid touch. They are used with high-end retail brands and big-format signage work.
The most important considerations before selecting the thickness of PVC board.
These are some practical points to consider before deciding:
Outdoor vs Indoor: Outdoor signages will always require more UV-resistant boards that are thicker.
Sign Size: The bigger the sign, the greater the thickness required so that it does not bow or warp.
Mounting: Frame mounted or wall mounted signs have the advantage of additional rigidity.
Climate: In Dubai and Sharjah and the whole of the UAE, the heat and exposure to the sun is intense and therefore outdoor boards should be thicker and UV-stabilised.
Budget: Thicker boards are expensive. Adjust the thickness to the actual need not necessarily the heaviest.
Quick Guide: PVC Foam Board Thickness Guide.
1mm-3mm - Temporary exhibitions, events, temporary indoor.
5mm - Real estate boards, outdoor/indoor signage, retail.
8mm-10mm - Outdoor signs, applications on the wall, the UAE climate.
15mm-19mm - 3D lettering, router-cut signs, structural display work.
Frequently asked questions
Here are some common questions about our company.
In the case of outdoor signage, 8mm to 10mm PVC foam board is normally suggested. It provides the hardiness that withstands the wind and heat and supports the extreme sunshine prevalent in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other cities in the UAE. To be on the safe side, 10mm is preferred to use on very large signs or those in exposed areas.
Yes, 5mm PVC foam board is quite ideal in most shop signs, particularly when mounted flat to the wall face, or even when mounted indoors. The reason it is the industry standard is because it is lightweight, easy to print on, and strong enough to do most of the retail and commercial signage needs in Sharjah, Dubai, and beyond.
Yes, but the right grade has to be taken. The thin foam boards made of standard PVC may be softened or warped in extreme heat. When choosing UV-stabilised PVC foam boards, 8mm or more is recommended to provide resistance to the sun in Ras Al Khaimah, Abu Dhabi, or any other sun-exposed area.
PVC foam board is less weighty, simple to cut and cheaper, thus suitable in printed flat signs, hoardings and display. Acrylic is heavier, has a glass-like effect and it is more appropriate in case of illuminated signs or high-end branding. PVC foam is the useful option in the case of volume signage work, acrylic in the case of high end or backlit